Page 9 of Beta Lies and Cursed Lives
“That one’s yours,” she says with a gesture to the one bed that’s pristine. The other bed is wrinkled and disheveled. “They came by and changed the sheets before you arrived. One of the other faculty told me to expect you.”
My brow is tight as I sit gingerly on the edge of the bed and look around like I expect to find something of interest.
“Not much of a talker, are you?” she asks with a small smirk. “Or are you in shock?”
I look at her, and there’s no malicious intent on her face, despite the blunt words. I swallow hard and breathe, fighting to loosen my shoulders. “Shock, I think.” My words are a croak.
This is the most I’ve spoken aloud in years, always keeping quiet, off-radar, and out of sight. Hiding.
She nods slowly. “Where’d you come from?”
“United North America. They caught me in Sector Eighty-Nine F.”
She frowns. “Old Florida, huh? When was that?”
My head shakes slowly. “Yesterday, I think.”
Her chocolate eyes widen, almost comically. “Wait, wait, wait,” her hands fly up. “You’ve been out all this time? Your curse must not be too bad.”
I scoff before I can think better of it and frown at myself.
“You’ve been on the run?”
I nod in confirmation.
“How long?”
Remembering what Laurant had told me, both about taking care with what I say where and that Nyx could be trusted, I hold up two hands, all fingers spread.
Her surprise grows. “Wow,” she whispers. “That’s...wow…” She shakes her head like she’s ridding it of thoughts. “Well, things in this place aren’t too bad once you get used to it and learn how to navigate everything. They prepare us for life in the military, yet treat us pretty well. We never know where we’re going to wind up in the end, though. You just getting here probably means you’ll be here a while. I’ll show you the ropes.” Her expression turns thoughtful. “Tomorrow’s first major order of business will be your assessment. You’re going to go to Training Ground One and basically give a demonstration of your Curse for the GBE and faculty members so they know where to place you.”
A demonstration of my curse? What could they possibly make me do?
I must go ashen because Nyx hurries over to my side, worry surrounding her. “It’s going to be okay,” she tells me, her bare hand covering my gloved one. “It’s a quick show of your curse, and then you’re done.” She pats my hand before removing it. “Before they assess you, I’ll have to take you to the infirmary for your suppressant evaluation. It’s pretty standard, so you don’t need to worry.”
That darkness returns to the edges of my vision.
I have no idea what a suppressant evaluation entails.
What am I going to do?
There’s a faint scratching noise at my side before something taps my hand. I look down to find a paper there, writing upturned. I grasp it and raise it to my eyes.
I know what you are. I will help.
And then, she hands me a syringe.
Aubrey
Itwasthedivinescent of roses and myrrh that drew me to the academy’s entrance, but it was shock that kept me there, slinking in the shadows like a creep, watchingher.The petite young woman with ivory skin, hair the color of a raven’s wing, and eyes so pale they were nearly transparent from so far away.
She’s magnificent.
And that is a problem.
“I knew I’d find you here.” The familiar voice is filled with mockery and laughter, and my jaw clenches at the sound. “You smell that too, huh?”
I turn to Colt, all blond and arrogant and looking like a surfer, even in the frigid environment we’re stuck in. His eyes, one green and one blue, sparkle with mirth as a smirk plays on his lips. “We’re about to get into some deep fucking trouble. And I am so here for it.”
